Living in Santa Barbara: Rodney Chow - American as Apple Pie

Living in Santa Barbara

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“Don’t look at me like a different ethnic minority, look at me as an American.” - Rodney Chow
In this special episode, we feature Rodney Chow, a 95-year-old Carpinteria farmer, veteran, and author. Rodney is a fifth-generation Chinese-American Californian with a remarkable heritage, including an ancestor who worked on the railroads and panned for gold during the California Gold Rush. Recently retired from farming at Bright Spring Ranch, Rodney shares his journey from growing up in the diverse neighborhoods of Los Angeles in the 1930s to working in civil service with the Army, to reinventing himself as a civil engineer and land developer, and eventually becoming a beloved local farmer after the age of 60. Now, in his 90s, he has taken on the role of an author.
Rodney's message centers around the importance of community, resilience, and lifelong learning. He emphasizes staying active and having an open mind regardless of age. His stories reflect a life of continual reinvention and adaptation, underscoring the belief that there is always something new to pursue and that every phase of life offers opportunities for growth and contribution.
Rodney has written "American as Apple Pie" and "Stories of the Good Old Days," with a third book on the way. Tune in to hear his fascinating stories, insights on living a long and fulfilling life, and reflections on his rich family history.
Join us for an inspiring conversation with Rodney Chow, only on "Living in Santa Barbara." And don’t forget to like, follow, share the show if you enjoyed this episode! Also if you would like to know more about Santa Barbara, please feel free to give me a call.
Thank you.
Kathy Henry
Village Properties
1250 Coast Village Road
Santa Barbara, CA 93108
805-637-4400
[e-mail]
DRE: 01403548
Music by Pala "Seagull Surfing". Guitar solo and rearrangement by my son, Maddox Henry